I've been a member for just over a year. First time today I encountered a member who has chosen to keep their bookshelf "Private" from view. Why would somebody do that? I can't think of a reason. Can you?

Some people do it for security purposes.  It's easy to get someone's address by ordering a book from them, then looking at the return address when you get it.  Or maybe they don't want to ever bypass the FIFO for some reason.  Or maybe they don't really want people to know what books they have on their shelf.

I don't really get it either.   Some people say it's because they have friends and family members on PBS and they don't want them seeing what they read or wish for.  But I'm thinking wouldn't family & friends just be more curious because you kept it private?  And if my friends and family were so judgemental about what I read then I'd probably want nothing to do with them anyway. 

There are also people who are die-hard FIFO followers. They don't think people should order direct from someone's bookshelf or post books directly to anyone's WL. 

Then like Rhonda said-some people are worried that someone will order a book from them or post a WL book to them just to get their address.  I doubt that happens often but it has happened before. 

Hi! You might want to read this thread that was just discussing the same thing: http://www.paperbackswap.com/PBS-Info-Kept-Private/topic/233068/

Because if your shelf is private, then folks can't see the map of where you live.

I think if you don't want family to see your shelf, you would be better listing only under your nickname.  And not tell them what it is.

I've always wondered that too .

All good thoughts.  Another amazing thought......die-hard FIFO?  Wow!  I'm always looking to get that WL book before the other 500 Wishers ahead of me!  And, Grateful Mommy, I checked out that link!  Again, Wow!  I may change my privacy settings, too.  You can never be too careful in today's world.